2nd bridge in Tarlac City collapses amid Habagat rains

A second bridge in Tarlac City collapsed within a day as heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) continued to batter the province, authorities said Saturday night.

The Agana Bridge in Barangay Tibag collapsed at around 8:32 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, according to a report from the Tarlac City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

The collapse occurred a day after a portion of the Aquino Bridge in Tarlac City gave way amid continuous rains and strong river currents. The Aquino Bridge was subsequently closed to traffic.

A gray Toyota Avanza carrying five people fell into the Tarlac River when the structure collapsed, the incident report said.

The five occupants were composed of three males and two females.

In an update, the Tarlac City Information Office reported that one of the five passengers in the vehicle had been rescued, while the search continued for the remaining four.

Emergency response and rescue operations were initiated following the incident, while authorities continued to assess the situation and verify the identities and conditions of those involved.

The Tarlac City government said the Agana Bridge was closed because of damage caused by continuous rains and strong water flow in the Tarlac River.

Motorists were advised not to attempt to cross the bridge and to use alternative routes.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the collapse and assessing the extent of damage. — with Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG/VBL, GMA News